CVE-2008-1120 in Mirabilis ICQ
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in the embedded Internet Explorer component for Mirabilis ICQ 6 build 6043 allows remote servers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (crash) via unspecified vectors related to HTML code generation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2025
The CVE-2008-1120 vulnerability represents a critical format string flaw within the embedded Internet Explorer component of Mirabilis ICQ 6 build 6043. This vulnerability specifically affects the HTML code generation functionality that processes incoming data from remote servers, creating a dangerous attack surface where malicious actors can manipulate the application's string formatting routines. The flaw exists in how the embedded browser handles user-supplied data during HTML rendering, particularly when processing content from external sources. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-134 which specifically addresses the use of format strings inappropriately, where the format string itself comes from an untrusted source. The attack vector involves remote servers sending specially crafted HTML content that exploits the format string vulnerability, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system crashes. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the trusted embedded browser component that ICQ uses to display web content, making it difficult for users to distinguish between legitimate and malicious content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and string formatting practices within the ICQ application's HTML processing engine. When the embedded Internet Explorer component receives HTML content from remote servers, it fails to properly sanitize or validate format specifiers within the data stream. This allows attackers to inject malicious format specifiers that can manipulate memory addresses, leading to code execution or denial of service conditions. The vulnerability can be triggered through various HTML elements such as script tags, embedded objects, or malformed content that the application attempts to render. The exploitability of this flaw is enhanced by the fact that ICQ applications often automatically process and display content from remote servers without sufficient user confirmation or security checks. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in scenarios where users receive messages or files from untrusted sources, as the application may automatically attempt to render potentially malicious content without user intervention.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-1120 extends beyond simple system crashes to potentially enable full system compromise through remote code execution. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems, potentially gaining complete control over the affected machine. The denial of service aspect can be used to disrupt communications by causing the ICQ application to crash repeatedly, effectively rendering the messaging service unusable. This vulnerability affects users of Mirabilis ICQ 6 build 6043 across various operating systems where the application is installed, particularly those running Windows platforms. The attack surface is broadened by the fact that ICQ users frequently receive messages containing embedded HTML content, making the exploitation process relatively straightforward for threat actors. The vulnerability also has implications for corporate environments where ICQ may be used for internal communications, as it could serve as an initial compromise vector for more extensive attacks. The exploit can be automated and does not require special privileges or user interaction beyond receiving a malicious message, making it particularly dangerous in mass attack scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1120 should focus on immediate application updates and user awareness measures. The most effective approach involves updating to the latest version of Mirabilis ICQ that contains patches for this vulnerability, as the vendor would have implemented proper input validation and format string handling routines. System administrators should implement network-level controls to restrict access to potentially malicious servers and monitor for unusual traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Users should be educated about the dangers of opening messages or files from untrusted sources and should be encouraged to disable automatic HTML rendering when possible. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation by preventing lateral movement within the network. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of untrusted applications can provide an additional layer of defense. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability, as the attack patterns are well-documented and can be detected through signature-based methods. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which involves command and script interpreters, as exploitation may involve injecting malicious code through the vulnerable HTML processing component. Furthermore, this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing the risk of injection flaws that can lead to arbitrary code execution.